Newspaper of Summit High School
November 2012 Volume 13 Issue 2
Population Boom Stirs the Pot in Summit School System By CARLY NYMAN
INSIDE
Photo provided by Sarina Musallam
this issue of Verve:
As new classes enter Summit High School, there seems to be an exponential growth in the number of each grade. This year 306 freshman arrived at SHS, while there are only 274 seniors, 32 less than the incoming class. Summit High School has always prided itself on its’ high academic standard. Will this reputation be tarnished by this population boom and possible larger class sizes? The answer is no; Dr. John Schnedeker, the Director of Guidance at SHS explains that, “The overall goal is not to increase class size at SHS.” However, the challenge of space is a concern for the school. While class size will not drastically change in each individual classroom, there would be an increase in the number of classes being conducted at a time. For example, there would be more sections. Therefore, the number of empty classrooms each period will lessen every year. Of course there is also the concern of having enough space for all the students during lunch. While the senior lounge seating alleviates some pressure of fitting kids into the cafeteria, if the grades continue to grow over the next few years, the school may need to find another solution. One possible answer could be implementing last year’s trial block schedule that allowed students to eat in the cafeteria as well as the gym. So what does this all mean for the average Summit High School student? Surprisingly enough, this population boom
would actually benefit students. Instead of overcrowding classrooms, the schools would have to create more periods for each subject and even possibly introduce some new electives since there will be a greater demand for classes. As a result, the individual student will ideally have a better chance of getting put into their top-choice classes since there would be more classes of that subject being taught throughout the day. The true reasoning behind the population boom is unclear but Schnedeker describes how, “This national trend is even more exaggerated in the town of Summit.” Although the direct reasoning behind this exaggeration is also ambiguous, there is usually “a high-low pattern in the population of SHS students and this seems like another high point.” At Franklin School, one of the five elementary schools in the Summit district, two temporary classroom units (TCUs) have been installed for art and music classes. Although there is no permanent solution for overcrowding at Franklin, these TCUs will provide students with space to learn in, at least for now. Although it is unclear what will happen to the size of each grade in the next few years, it is apparent that the district will not let the population problem affect the great level of education of Summit students, and that there are even some unexpected perks from this population boom.
SHS Student Band Emerges By EMME HARRIS
Cabaret
Globe...............2 Opine..............3 Buzz...........4&5 S&S.................6 Turf............7&8 Cabaret...........9 Hurricane Sandy.............10 Upcoming events: 11/8 Dunce Day 11/11 Veterans Day 11/26 Thanksgiving 11/27 Black Friday
Photo provided by Emme Harris
More Cabaret pictures on page 9!
Group Shot! The Searchlights Ryan Wilkins, Will Kaplan, Matt Mahoney, and Julia Heckelman pose for a photo in the concourse.
The Searchlights, an Indie Rock band, features the talent of four Summit High School students. The band consists of seniors Ryan Wilkins on vocals and guitar, Will Kaplan on bass, Matt Mahoney on keyboard and other instruments, and sophomore Julia Heckleman on drums and ukulele with additional vocals. Ryan founded the group in 2011 and recruited Will and then later on Matt and Julia. They started by playing covers but are now focusing more on original material. Groups like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, and The Rolling Stones are big inspirations to them. The band also incorporates instruments like the mandolin and the ukulele for a unique sound. Matt Mahoney talks about the name, “We're called ‘The Searchlights’ because everyone is searching for something, and everyone has something someone is searching for". They hope to have an album release by the summer of 2013. When asked about their goals Will Kaplan replied, “Just to play the stuff we like, if people like it we’re happy”. The Searchlights have yet to make their public debut, but according to Ryan Wilkins, “We will be playing private ‘backyard sessions’ and more publicly at MONDO in town”. Be sure to check out The Searchlights on Facebook for updates, sneak peaks on upcoming music, and to support the band.